The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is reminding residents about responsible firearm ownership after a 16-year-old was found in possession of two stolen firearms in the Sage area of Riverside County, near Hemet.

Deputies from the Hemet Sheriff's Station encountered the male juvenile near Checkmate Road and Cangrejo Lane at 1:20 a.m. Friday, authorities said. During the contact, the minor was found in possession of a stolen, loaded, semi-automatic pistol. He also had a stolen, loaded, bolt-action high-powered rifle equipped with a magnified scope.

The juvenile's parents were contacted and co-operated with a search of the juvenile's residence/bedroom, pursuant to "Riverside County Kids with Guns Protocol." The juvenile was booked into the Riverside County Juvenile Detention Facility for possessions of stolen firearms.

In a news release, the Sheriff's Department reminded firearm owners that they have a lawful responsibility to keep all firearms properly secured in a gun safe or with an approved gun lock. This should prevent minors from unlawfully gaining access to firearms and help prevent the weapon from being stolen during residential and commercial burglaries.